OXFORD, England — BMW is making plans for its expanded next-generation Mini lineup but it's planning to send the current model into retirement with its fastest version ever.

The final version of the old Mini will be a lightweight Cooper S that will be even faster than the John Cooper-tuned Minis now being made at the Mini factory.

Mini's enthusiast Web site says the lightweight Cooper S will probably be announced at the Frankfurt auto show next month, and the model will be a strictly limited edition — probably 2,000 cars worldwide.

Weight savings of around 15 percent have been made by using carbon-fiber body panels, a stripped-down interior with racing-style seats, acrylic rather than glass windows, and lighter door casings, side panels and dashboard.

The lighter weight, combined with the 210-horsepower John Cooper Works tuning kit, will make for the fastest Mini yet — so powerful it will need upgraded suspension and brakes.

What this means to you: It's hard to imagine the Mini as a classic just yet, but surely this has to be the one to have.

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Weren't the original minis fwd too? Trying to make one RWD sounds like a packaging nightmare to me. I guess it would be possible, but it would probably take a complete RWD lunatic to try it. Now I wonder where I can get one of those . . . .

I will absolutely definately own a Mini before I die. (uness I wrap my Camaro around a telephone pole like tomorrow)

I'd prefer a late 60s original but I'll take a BMW mini and wiht a blown engine at the Auction and shoehorn a complete engine cradle and No* from a 90s STS inot the back seat! RWD, Mid Engined and 300HP!!!